The expulsion comes at a time of heightened tensions between Algeria and France over a controversial abduction case and broader diplomatic issues.
**Algeria Orders Expulsion of 12 French Embassy Staff Amid Diplomatic Tensions**
**Algeria Orders Expulsion of 12 French Embassy Staff Amid Diplomatic Tensions**
France's foreign minister condemns Algeria's decision linked to the indictment of Algerians in France.
Algeria has demanded the departure of 12 officials from the French embassy within 48 hours, as confirmed by France's foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot. This action is reportedly tied to the recent indictment of three Algerians in France, one being a consular staff member. These individuals face allegations related to the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a prominent critic of the Algerian government who gained political asylum in France in 2023 after living there since 2016.
On April 29, 2024, Boukhors was reportedly abducted in the southern suburbs of Paris but was released shortly after. His lawyer, Eric Plouvier, stated that Boukhors had faced multiple serious attacks, including being forcibly taken by individuals disguised as police officers. Algerian authorities have issued nine international arrest warrants against him, accusing him of fraud and connections to terrorist organizations, which he has explicitly denied. The French courts had previously denied Algeria's request for his extradition.
This incident is part of a series of events that have intensified the friction between France and Algeria. Among these incidents is the arrest of the French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal in Algeria on charges of undermining national integrity, along with Algeria's diplomatic move to recall its ambassador from Paris following French support for Morocco in the Western Sahara territorial dispute.
In response to the requested expulsions, Barrot has urged Algeria to reconsider its decision, asserting that, should these measures proceed, France would be compelled to react correspondingly. The officials slated for expulsion include members from the French interior ministry, highlighting the seriousness of the diplomatic rift.
Algeria’s foreign ministry summoned the French ambassador, voicing strong objections to the situation and demanding the release of its consular official, who was detained without proper notification. The ministry's statement underscored that this incident occurred within a specific context aimed at hindering efforts to mend bilateral relations.
Despite the ongoing rift, there have been attempts to improve relations between the two nations, evidenced by a March telephone conversation between French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboun. They discussed the current state of affairs and the need for better ties, with Barrot expressing hope for a "new phase" following his own visit to Algeria in early April.
On April 29, 2024, Boukhors was reportedly abducted in the southern suburbs of Paris but was released shortly after. His lawyer, Eric Plouvier, stated that Boukhors had faced multiple serious attacks, including being forcibly taken by individuals disguised as police officers. Algerian authorities have issued nine international arrest warrants against him, accusing him of fraud and connections to terrorist organizations, which he has explicitly denied. The French courts had previously denied Algeria's request for his extradition.
This incident is part of a series of events that have intensified the friction between France and Algeria. Among these incidents is the arrest of the French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal in Algeria on charges of undermining national integrity, along with Algeria's diplomatic move to recall its ambassador from Paris following French support for Morocco in the Western Sahara territorial dispute.
In response to the requested expulsions, Barrot has urged Algeria to reconsider its decision, asserting that, should these measures proceed, France would be compelled to react correspondingly. The officials slated for expulsion include members from the French interior ministry, highlighting the seriousness of the diplomatic rift.
Algeria’s foreign ministry summoned the French ambassador, voicing strong objections to the situation and demanding the release of its consular official, who was detained without proper notification. The ministry's statement underscored that this incident occurred within a specific context aimed at hindering efforts to mend bilateral relations.
Despite the ongoing rift, there have been attempts to improve relations between the two nations, evidenced by a March telephone conversation between French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboun. They discussed the current state of affairs and the need for better ties, with Barrot expressing hope for a "new phase" following his own visit to Algeria in early April.
